Name confusion - San Chan Kun Sama

[KaTTnypp]

Hi people...so before anyone tries this YES I have looked these terms up and understand Japanese enough to carry a conversation with someone but what I dont get is why peoples names end with San Chan Kun Sama etc etc. Ive had it somewhat explained to me by a Japanese friend but their way doesnt make sense so Im hoping I could get it from someone who speaks ENglish as their first language!!

THANKS IN ADVANCE

[Himitsu]

I'm not completely sure if I'll be giving you the right answer, but this is what I think. First of all, English was not my first language, Vietnamese was. The use of -san, -chan, -sama, -kun are quite similar to how you address someone in Vietnamese (Chi, Em, Anh, et cetera).

I think of the -san, -chan, -sama, -kun as equivalent to Mr. & Ms. it's just a "label", a way to address a person. - sama is really formal. To say KaTTnypp-sama is like saying "Lady Kattnypp" (some translations I see in anime series). -kun is more for the guys I believe. -san is addressing someone older than you. -chan is between friends.

Again, I'm not entirely sure. I mean, I don't even know how to carry on a conversation in Japanese. Good for you KaTTnypp.

[CGY]

San - used when is showing respect to people within the same age group or level.

Chan - used when is showing familarity with girls of the same or lower age group or level.

Kun - used when is showing familarity with boys of the same or lower age group or level.

Sama - used when is showing great respect to people with higher level status or old people.

[lipsmacker]

yea they have so much references, and it can be confusing at times